Special Olympics East Asia held Athlete Leadership Programs - Special Olympics Official Program for Athlete (SOOPA) in Fuzhou during June 4 to June 6, 2009. Anna Chan, Managing Director of SOEA, Charlie Chang, Sports Director of SOEA, Zhijun Yong, National Director of SOC, Yuanting Cai, Vice-chairman of Fujian Disabled Person’s Foundation, Xiuzhen Lin, Director of Fujian Labor and Employment Department and the Chair referees and umpires of the 4th Fujian Provincial Special Olympics Games attended the training site.

8 athletes and 2 mentors participated in the training. The courses include Special Olympics history, function and responsibility for the officials, Divisioning and Sports rule (swimming, table-tennis, badminton, track and field). Besides, they also practised in 4 sports disciplines and worked as officials in the SO Fujian Provincial Games.

The training was arranged prior to the Provincial SO Games which provided chances for athletes to rehearse as officials in the Games after they were trained with the rules of SO sports discipline. The practice on the spot helped them better understand the duty of an official. The local government also agreed to continully provide chances for athletes to practise in some sports events which will help them be ready for playing their role as officials in the 5th National Special Olympic Games in 2011.

The training was sponsored by Timken.

           
 Sport rules introduction                     Certificating to the trainees

      

     

Practicing in 4 sports disciplines –swimming, table-tennis, badminton, track and field

       

The athletes were working as officials during the Games